Store Norske’s role

For many years, Store Norske was also responsible for most societal amenities and services in Longyearbyen. The company managed the whole of the mining community, running the school, hospital, shop and the entire infrastructure. At the end of the 1980s, Store Norske began concentrating increasingly on mining operations. The societal tasks were assumed by the local government in Longyearbyen, while private interests became responsible for tourism, services and commercial businesses.

Report to the Storting No. 22 (2008-2009) Svalbard – states that coal mining operations are still the most important basis for the community in Longyearbyen and that mining should be continued under strict environmental standards and the requirements for commercial profitability.

The report Svalbard: Society and industrial affairs 2008 concludes that Store Norske’s coal mining operations are still the most important basic industry on Svalbard, and account for about 40 per cent of all employment in Longyearbyen.